
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.
NASA's Artemis program represents the most ambitious human spaceflight effort since Apollo, aiming not only to return astronauts to the moon but also to establish a long-term presence that will pave the way for crewed Mars exploration.
The hardware that will fly the astronauts moonward includes two 177-foot-tall (54 meters) twin boosters that are the backbone of the giant Space Launch System (SLS) rocket's launch power. Recently, the two boosters that will fly on the Artemis 2 mission had an "America 250" emblem painted on their sides, in honor of the upcoming. 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
What is it?
Artemis 2, scheduled to launch in early 2026, will be the first crewed mission of the program. Over a 10-day journey, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, will travel around the moon and return to Earth. Their mission will test Artemis systems, procedures and spacecraft in preparation for future lunar landings.
Artemis 2 relies on two key vehicles: SLS, which is NASA's most powerful rocket to date, and the Orion spacecraft, designed to carry astronauts safely beyond low Earth orbit. Inside NASA's iconic Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida, these elements come together through a massive, carefully choreographed preparation effort.
Where is it?
The image was taken from inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at KSC.
Why is it amazing?
For Artemis 2, the "America 250" represents NASA's celebration of the anniversary under the theme "Spirit of Innovation." Just as the U.S. was founded on bold ideas and transformative thinking, Artemis 2 embodies a new era of exploration that looks outward, to the moon, Mars and beyond.
Seeing the emblem on the boosters connects technological progress with national heritage, according to NASA. It serves as a reminder that spaceflight, for all its complexity, is also a cultural project, one that captures imagination, inspires generations and reflects shared aspirations.
Want to learn more?
You can learn more about the Artemis program and upcoming Artemis 2 launch.
latest_posts
- 1
How effective is the flu shot this year? New report shows promising results - 2
Steinmeier honours Italian 'guest workers' who rebuilt German economy - 3
5 Critical Rules For Business Regulation Chiefs - 4
'People We Meet on Vacation' is the 1st of many Emily Henry adaptations: What other books turned movies to look forward to - 5
2024 Style: The It-Things You Want in Your Closet
The Magnificence of Extraordinariness: Presenting Valuable Adornments and Gemstones
6 Popular Men's Aromas On the planet
Foods with healthy-sounding buzzwords could be hiding added sugar in plain sight
Minneapolis ICE shooting live updates: Protests continue over agent's killing of Renee Nicole Good; Walz puts National Guard on standby
Understanding climate change in America: Skepticism, dogmatism and personal experience
American tourists left stranded in the Caribbean following flight cancellations after airspace closed for Maduro operation
The 10 Most Persuasive Forerunners in Innovation
EU Council president: Ukraine should receive binding guarantees
Figuring out Significant Regulations and Guidelines for Organizations













